A smuggling operation attempting to bring in toxic pesticides into Lebanon was uncovered at Beirut port on Thursday.
Minister of Agriculture Hussein al-Hajj Hassan, in collaboration with the customs directorate, intelligence bureau, and port security, uncovered the smuggling of Methyl Bromide.
The minister said: “An international decision was taken to limit the consumption of this substance and Lebanon should terminate its use of Methyl Bromide by 2015.”
He noted that the substance is permitted to be used in Lebanon within certain restrictions and there are only two companies licensed to use it.
Hassan revealed that the smuggling operation sought to import the pesticide through a nonexistent company.
An investigation has been launched to uncover the sides behind the operation.
“There are several problems in this matter and cooperation is ongoing with all the security forces,” stressed Hassan.
In addition, the minister revealed that another smuggling operation of a toxic pesticide was uncovered.
He said that nine containers of the substance were attempted to be smuggled through an unregistered company.
“We consider this act an attempt to attack public health and safety,” Hassan declared.
No comments:
Post a Comment